Re: "Immigrants should pay full costs," July 31.
I came to Canada in 1951 as an immigrant. I did not pay one penny for processing my application for a visa. The government of Canada had sent recruiters to Europe to encourage people to apply.
Moreover, Canada paid for my travel and I promised to repay the amount in monthly instalments of $10. (I repaid the loan in six months.)
I started a full-time job the day I arrived - front-desk clerk at the Royal York Hotel. I worked from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. I attended classes in language and history during the day. I continued my education, qualified as a teacher, and was appointed head of history and geography in our school when I was 40 years old.
As well, I started buying up hotels and resorts, being able to rely on my family workforce.
I am one of the millions of immigrants who have helped to contribute to the growth of this wonderful country. I hope that Canada's opposition parties can dig up leaders before the next election of the quality of Lester Pearson, Wilfrid Laurier, Tommy Douglas, David Lewis or even John Diefenbaker.
This country possesses everything that is needed to make this happen, including a vibrant growing population, thanks to our government's foresight in making immigration easy.
Richard F. Reiter
Victoria
